U.S. patent application number 17/161735 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-04 for cable-free tree stand with removable platform.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher A. Miller. Invention is credited to Christopher A. Miller.
Application Number | 20220240496 17/161735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005405625 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220240496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Christopher A. |
August 4, 2022 |
CABLE-FREE TREE STAND WITH REMOVABLE PLATFORM
Abstract
A hang-on tree stand having a frame and an assembly pivotally
connected to and supported by the frame, the frame being free of
cables. The assembly has a platform removably connected to the
assembly.
Inventors: |
Miller; Christopher A.;
(Baltic, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miller; Christopher A. |
Baltic |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005405625 |
Appl. No.: |
17/161735 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01M 31/02 20060101
A01M031/02 |
Claims
1. A hang-on tree stand comprising: a frame; and a platform
assembly having a removably connected platform, said platform
assembly being pivotally connected to and supported by said frame,
the frame being free of cables.
2. The hang-on tree stand of claim 1, said frame further comprising
a first cross-member contactable by said platform assembly.
3. The hang-on tree stand of claim 2, said platform assembly being
capable of pivoting between a first position and a second position;
wherein a portion of said platform assembly contacts said first
cross-member when the platform assembly is in said second position,
the first cross-member acting as a positive stop for said platform
assembly.
4. The hang-on tree stand of claim 3, said frame further comprising
at least one gusset; wherein said at least one gusset supports said
platform assembly when said platform assembly is in said second
position.
5. The hang-on tree stand of claim 4, wherein said platform
assembly extends substantially parallel to said frame when the
platform assembly is in said first position.
6. The hang-on tree stand of claim 1 further comprising a seat,
said seat being pivotally and removably connected to said
frame.
7. The hang-on tree stand of claim 6, said frame further comprising
a second cross-member.
8. The hang-on tree stand of claim 7, said seat being pivotable
between a first seat position and a second seat position; wherein
the seat contacts said second cross-member when said seat is in
said second seat position.
9. The hang-on tree stand of claim 8, said seat being substantially
parallel to said frame when the seat is in said first seat
position.
10. The hang-on tree stand of claim 2, said frame further
comprising at least one vertical upright, said first cross-member
being connected to and extending perpendicular to said at least one
vertical upright.
11. The hang-on tree stand of claim 10, said frame further
comprising at least one gusset connected to and extending
orthogonally away from said at least one vertical upright and said
first cross-member.
12. The hang-on tree stand of claim 11, said frame being formed as
a single component.
13. The hang-on tree stand of claim 11, said at least one vertical
upright, said first cross-member, and said at least one gusset
being formed from box section steel.
14. The hang-on tree stand of claim 10, said platform assembly
further comprising at least one support arm; wherein said at least
one support arm pivotally connects said platform assembly to said
vertical upright of said frame.
15. The hang-on tree stand of claim 14, said platform further
comprising at least one beam wherein said beam removably connects
the platform to said support arm of said platform assembly.
16. The hang-on tree stand of claim 1, said frame being secured to
a tree by at least one of a wrap or chain.
17. The hang-on tree stand of claim 16, said frame further
comprising at least one projection, said projection extending
orthogonally away from the frame and into said tree.
18. The hang-on tree stand of claim 16, said frame further
comprising a cross-member; wherein said at least one of said wrap
or chain being disposed circumferentially about the frame adjacent
said cross-member, the cross-member supporting said frame on the at
least one of said wrap or chain.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates generally to hunting equipment. In
particular, the invention relates to equipment used to aid a user
in avoiding detection and increasing visual range while hunting.
More particularly, the invention relates to a relatively
light-weight hang-on tree stand with a removable platform that is
free of cables, which is easy to install, eliminates tripping and
snagging hazards, and maximizes usable space on the platform, while
reducing impediments to the line of sight of the user, thereby
improving visual range.
Background Art
[0002] Hunting is a well-known outdoor sport. Success in hunting
typically requires stealth and visual range to avoid detection and
allow for sufficient time to prepare, aim, and fire a weapon. As a
result, various devices have been developed that hide or provide
obscurity from detection while also increasing visual range. In
particular, tree stands have been developed to obscure bodies or
objects, noise, and/or scents and enable relatively greater visual
range. Tree stands are typically mounted on or secured to a trunk
of a tree at a relatively substantial elevation from the ground.
The elevation enables tree stands to be obscured from or outside of
the visual plane of quarry. In addition, the elevation provides a
user of the tree stand with an increased visual range, allowing
quarry to be more easily spotted.
[0003] A known type of tree stand is generally referred to as a
fixed or hang-on tree stand. Prior art hang-on tree stands must
typically be carried by the user up the tree by climbing or using
suitable means, such as a ladder or foot pegs, thus raising the
tree stand to a desired elevation in order to install it. Prior art
hang-on tree stands are typically built to withstand strains,
stresses, or forces, generally referred to herein as forces, that
the tree stand may experience during installation and use, such as
the weight of an individual and/or other hunting equipment, and the
recoil of weapons when discharged. In order to withstand such
forces, prior art hang-on tree stands are typically made from
relatively strong and heavy materials, such as steel. However,
forming prior art hang-on tree stands entirely from such materials
increases the weight of the tree stands and difficulty of carriage
to and installation at the desired elevation.
[0004] In order to mitigate the weight of the materials used to
form prior art hang-on tree stands, the tree stands typically have
certain structural components replaced with cables. In particular,
prior art hang-on tree stands generally include an upright frame
and a pivotally-attached orthogonally-extending platform. More
particularly, one or more cables extend between and are operatively
connected to an upper portion of the frame and a suitable location
on the platform. Typically, the cables extend from a central
location or upper corners of the frame to respective distant
corners of the platform. The cables are generally lighter weight
and less cumbersome than the robust materials of the frame and
platform, but have sufficient tensile strength to react forces
acting on the platform. When the platform is pivoted to extend in
parallel with the upright frame, the cables are generally slack,
allowing the frame to be collapsed to a minimal profile or
dimension. When the platform is pivoted to extend orthogonally away
from the frame, the cables are placed in tension, providing the
platform with support and bracing.
[0005] Prior hang-on tree stands, while satisfactory for their
intended purpose, have disadvantages, drawbacks, and limitations.
For example, the cables of prior art hang-on tree stands restrict
lateral movement and rotation of the user. More specifically, the
cables extend between the upright frame and the platform, creating
boundaries or impediments to either side of the user, thereby
limiting lateral movement of the user and restricting rotation of
the user within a certain arc. As a result, prior art hang-on tree
stands potentially obstruct or limit vision and/or aiming,
potentially reducing the chances of hunting success. Moreover, the
cables of prior art hang-on tree stands potentially act as
impediments on which the user of the tree stand may trip, snag, or
become entangled, potentially causing injury. Thus, there is a need
in the art for a hang-on tree stand that is lightweight, robust,
and free of cables.
[0006] The hang-on tree stand with removable platform of the
present invention satisfies this need and overcomes the
disadvantages, drawbacks, and limitations of the prior art. The
hang-on tree stand of the present invention provides a light-weight
tree-stand that is relatively easy to carry and install in a tree.
The hang-on tree stand of the present invention eliminates support
cables, reducing the likelihood of tripping, snagging, and
entangling and the user while reducing limitations to lateral
movement and rotation of the user, increasing the usable area on
the platform, and reducing impediments to the user's line of sight,
thereby improving visual range of the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Objectives of the present invention include providing a
hang-on tree stand that is light-weight and relatively easy to
carry and install in a tree.
[0008] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a
hang-on tree stand that reduces or eliminates tripping, snagging,
and entangling hazards.
[0009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a hang-on tree stand that reduces limitations to lateral movement
and rotation, increases usable platform area, and reduces
impediments to a user's line of sight to improve visual range of
the user.
[0010] These objectives and advantages are obtained by the hang-on
tree stand, according to the present invention, having a frame and
an assembly pivotally connected to and supported by the frame, the
frame being free of cables. The assembly has a platform removably
connected to the assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The preferred embodiment of the present invention,
illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant has contemplated
applying the principles, is set forth in the following description,
shown in the drawings, and particularly and distinctly pointed out
and set forth in the appended claims.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment hang-on tree stand, according to the present
invention, showing the tree stand with the platform removably
connected thereto;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hang-on tree stand shown
in FIG. 1, showing the tree stand with the platform removed and
with the support arms in the upright position;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary lateral perspective view of the
hang-on tree stand shown in FIGS. 1-2, showing the tree stand with
the platform removed and with the support arms in the extended
position;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
hang-on tree stand shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the support arms in
the upright position; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hang-on tree stand
platform shown in FIG. 1, showing the platform removed from the
tree stand.
[0017] Similar reference characters identify similar parts
throughout.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] A hang-on tree stand 10 (FIGS. 1-5), according to the
present invention, for installation on a trunk (not shown) of a
tree (not shown) includes a frame 11 formed from any suitable
material, such as box section steel, capable of withstanding the
forces acting on the tree stand during use.
[0019] Frame 11 includes a pair of uprights 12, a cross-brace 20, a
cross-member or hanger 22, and a pair of gussets 14. Uprights 12
are spaced apart from one another and include upper and lower
portions and arranged to extend vertically when installed on the
trunk of the tree. Uprights 12 may each include an upper extension
or projection 16. Projections 16 may be integrally formed with
uprights 12 or may be formed separately and fixedly connected to
the uprights using any suitable means, such as welds. Upper
projections 16 each extend from the upper portion of a respective
upright 12 and orthogonally away from the plane of the uprights.
Cross-brace 20 is perpendicular to and extends between uprights 12
in parallel with the plane of the uprights. Cross-brace 20 is
connected to uprights 12 using any suitable means, such as welds,
at a suitable location between the upper and lower portions of the
uprights. Hanger 22 is perpendicular to and extends between the
respective upper portions of uprights 12 in parallel with the plane
of the uprights. Hanger 22 is connected to uprights 12 using any
suitable means, such as welds. Alternatively, one or both of
cross-brace 20 and hanger 22 may be integrally formed with uprights
12 as a single piece using any suitable method. Gussets 14 may be a
single piece formed from any suitable material using any suitable
method, such as bending, or may be multiple pieces connected using
any suitable means, such as welds. Gussets 14 are each fixedly
connected using any suitable means, such as welds, to a respective
upright 12 adjacent the lower portion and cross-brace 20. Each
gusset 14 extends orthogonally away from the plane of uprights 12
and opposite upper projections 16, forming a generally triangular
shape with a respective upright. A pair of lower projections 18 are
each connected to and extend from a respective gusset 14 in a
direction orthogonally away from the plane of uprights 12, opposite
the respective gusset, and in parallel with upper projections 16.
Alternatively, lower projections 18 may each extend from the lower
portion of a respective upright 12.
[0020] Tree stand 10 includes a platform assembly 30 formed from
the same material as frame 11. Alternatively, platform assembly 30
may be formed from any other suitable material. Platform assembly
30 includes a pair of support arms 32, a positive stop 34, and a
platform 40. Each of support arms 32 are pivotally attached to a
respective upright 12 using a suitable fastener 36, such as a lag
bolt. The pivotal connection provided by fastener 36 between
support arms 32 and uprights 12 allow the support arms to rotate
between an extended position (FIGS. 1 and 3), in which the support
arms extend substantially orthogonally away from the plane of the
uprights, and an upright position (FIG. 2), in which the support
arms extend substantially vertically and substantially parallel to
the uprights. The upright position of support arms 32 minimizes the
profile or dimensions of tree stand 10, allowing the tree stand to
be more easily carried and installed on the trunk of the tree.
Support arms 32 are each attached adjacent a respective gusset 14,
such that in the extended position each of the support arms are
vertically coplanar and/or in contact with the respective gusset.
As a result, once support arms 32 are pivoted into the extended
position, gussets 14 provide additional support and bracing to the
support arms. Platform assembly 30 includes positive stop 34
extending between and fixedly connected to respective ends of
support arms 32 proximate uprights 12. In the extended position,
support arms 32 are extended such that positive stop 34 contacts
cross-brace 20 of frame 11, stopping the support arms from pivoting
past horizontal, thereby countering forces acting on the support
arms.
[0021] In accordance with an important aspect of the present
invention, platform assembly 30 includes removable platform 40
(FIG. 5). Platform 40 is generally rectangular- or square-shaped
and includes a pair of frame bodies 42 and a pair of beams 44 in a
spaced-apart parallel arrangement. More specifically, beams 44 are
spaced-apart, extend in parallel with, and are between frame bodies
42. A sheet 46 composed of chain-link, mesh, or other suitable
material extends between frame bodies 42 over beams 44. Sheet 46 is
fixedly connected to frame bodies 42 and beams 44 using any
suitable means, such as welds. Beams 44 of platform 40 are
removably connected to platform assembly 30. In particular,
platform 40 is mounted on platform assembly 30 such that beams 44
are slidably disposed over and connected to support arms 32. More
particularly, beams 44 have an internal dimension that is
equivalent to or larger than an external dimension of support arms
32. An opening (not shown) is formed in each beam 44 perpendicular
to the beam and uprights 12. Similarly, an opening (not shown) is
formed in each platform support arm 32 perpendicular to the support
arm and uprights 12. Once platform 40 is mounted on support arms
32, the openings in beams 44 and support arms 32 are aligned. A
suitable fastener (not shown), such as a cotter pin or the like, is
disposed through the aligned openings to removably secure platform
40 to platform assembly 30 and tree stand 10. Alternatively,
platform 40 may be mounted such that beams 44 extend in parallel
and are coplanar with and adjacent to support arms 32. Once
platform 40 is mounted on support arms 32, the openings in beams 44
and support arms 32 are aligned and the fastener is disposed
therethrough.
[0022] Tree stand 10 also includes a seat 50 formed from any
suitable material or combination of materials, such as box section
steel. Seat 50 is pivotally and removably connected to frame 11
adjacent to hanger 22. More specifically, seat 50 is connected to
the top portion of each upright 12 by a fastener 52. Fastener 52
may be any suitable fastener, such as a bolt, that allows pivotal
movement and facilitates disconnection of the fastener, and thus
seat 50, from uprights 12. As a result, seat 50 is able to pivot
between an extended position, in which the seat extends
orthogonally away from the plane of uprights 12, and an upright
position, in which the seat extends vertically and substantially
parallel to the plane of the uprights. In the extended position,
hanger 22 acts as a down stop for seat 50. More particularly, in
the extended position, seat 50 contacts hanger 22, which prevents
the seat from pivoting past horizontal.
[0023] During installation of tree stand 10, seat 50 and support
arms 32 of platform assembly 30 are pivoted into respective upright
positions to minimize the profile or dimensions of the tree stand,
allowing the tree stand to be more easily carried to the tree onto
which the tree stand is to be mounted. Alternatively, seat 50 may
be detached from frame 11 by removing fasteners 52. Platform 40 may
remain connected to platform assembly 30 and tree stand 10 or may
be removed from the platform assembly to reduce the weight of the
tree stand while being carried. Platform 40 is removed from
platform assembly 30 prior to installation to reduce the weight of
the tree stand during climbing. More specifically, the fasteners
(not shown) through the aligned openings (not shown) in beams 44
and support arms 32 are removed, allowing platform 40 to be
separated from platform assembly 30. Tree stand 10 is carried
without platform 40 up the tree to the desired elevation and held
in place while suitable mounting means (not shown), such as a strap
or chains, are circumferentially arranged about the tree and frame
11 of the tree stand. The mounting means are circumferentially
arranged about the tree and tree stand 10 such that the mounting
means are adjacent hanger 22 of frame 11. The mounting means are
then tightened about the tree and tree stand 10, as is known, to
secure the tree stand to the tree at the desired height. Upper and
lower projections 16, 18, respectively, contact and/or pierce the
trunk of the tree when the mounting means are tightened, providing
an offset or spacing between frame 11 and the tree and aiding in
securing the tree stand to the tree. Once tree stand 10 is secured
to the tree, seat 50 and support arms 32 are pivoted into the
respective extended positions. The platform 40 is separately
carried up the tree to tree stand 10 and placed on support arms 32.
The fasteners are then placed through the aligned openings of
support arms 32 and beams 44 to secure platform 40 to platform
assembly 30 and tree stand 10.
[0024] Thus, tree stand 10, according to the present invention
provides a light-weight tree stand that is relatively easier to
carry and install in a tree. Platform 40 of tree stand 10 is free
of cables, providing increased usable area on the platform;
reducing or eliminating tripping, snagging, and entangling hazards;
and reducing impediments to the user's line of sight, thereby
improving the visual range of the user.
[0025] It is to be understood that tree stand 10 of the present
invention may be formed from any suitable material or compound
having sufficient rigidity and strength, such as aluminum, without
changing the overall concept or operation of the present invention.
It is also to be understood that components of tree stand 10 may be
tubular or solid with any cross-sectional shape, such as polygonal,
circular, elliptical, and the like, without changing the overall
concept or operation of the present invention. It is still further
to be understood that tree stand 10 may utilize fixed connections
made using any suitable means, such as adhesives, mechanical
fasteners, welds, and the like, without changing the overall
concept or operation of the present invention. It is also to be
understood that platform 40 of tree stand 10 may have any shape
and/or size and may utilize any number of frame members 42 and/or
beams 44 without changing the overall concept or operation of the
present invention.
[0026] Accordingly, the hang-on tree stand, according to the
present invention, is simplified; provides an effective, safe,
inexpensive, and efficient structure and method, which achieve all
the enumerated objectives; provides for eliminating difficulties
encountered with prior hang-on tree stands; and solves problems and
obtains new results in the art.
[0027] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clarity, and understanding, but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the subject
disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to
specific aspects. It is understood that these descriptions and
illustrations are by way of example and not by way of limitation.
Potential modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a
reading and understanding of the disclosure, and it is understood
that the present invention includes all such modifications,
alterations, and equivalents.
[0028] Having now described the features, discoveries, and
principles of the invention; the manner in which the tree stand is
used and installed; the characteristics of the construction,
arrangement, and method steps; and the advantageous, new and useful
results obtained, the new and useful structures, devices, elements,
arrangements, process, parts, and combinations are set forth in the
appended claims.
* * * * *